Upon joining War Child’s international team in Herat,
Afghanistan, Joanna was appointed project manager of two development
projects where she found herself working with widowed mothers
on War Child’s farm project, delivering books to orphanages
and managing the construction of a kindergarten that would
cater for up to 500 children.
Joanna left for Afghanistan in November 2002 in the midst
of the country’s ongoing redevelopment following years
of conflict.
As well her two main project management roles, Joanna was
involved in the daily running of the International Aid Agency,
where she worked on accounts, logistics and proposal writing
to name a few.
Joanna said it was her keen interest in children’s
rights and long held ambition to be an overseas aid worker
that led to her joining War Child followed by becoming a field
worker in Afghanistan.
“It was an incredible experience and a huge learning
curve adjusting to such a different culture and lifestyle,
as well as being confronted with the poverty and tragedy that
was so prolific,” Joanna said.
“At first I was completely overwhelmed by the whole
experience but I soon adjusted to the extreme temperatures,
the new language, and requirements like covering up when outside,
not venturing anywhere alone, and eating rice, chicken and
naan for every meal”.
“I loved being able to spend time with local people
and was so inspired by their generosity and joyfulness, despite
living in absolute poverty and tragedy. I am constantly reminded
of how blessed we are to live in a country like Australia,
and how we so often take for granted the little things which
are really what life is all about,” she said.
“War Child isn’t just about providing emergency
relief to children in war ravaged countries, we aim to empower
children to exercise their rights and manage their own lives,”
Joanna initially started out on a six month field work contract,
which she later decided to extend.
“The opportunity to extend my contract meant that I
was able to see my key projects through to completion plus
12 months really enabled me to immerse myself in the culture
and its people,” Joanna said.
Having left for Afghanistan at just 24 years of age, Joanna
is one of the youngest ever field workers to be deployed by
War Child International.
Back in Australia, Joanna has returned to her home in Melbourne,
Victoria and plans to relax and undertake work over the next
few months, before returning to Afghanistan in April.
About Joanna Francis
Joanna Francis is 26 years of age and lives in North Fitzroy,
Victoria. Prior to her War Child field work in Afghanistan,
Joanna was a Victim Services Officer with the Department of
Justice (Melbourne). Throughout her career, she has had extensive
experience working with children including four years working
as a Disability Carer for a 13 year old girl with quadriplegia
as well as working as a nanny around the world. As well as
her association with War Child, Joanna has had a long involvement
with Amnesty International and is a core member of their children’s
rights team. Away from her children’s rights work, Joanna
enjoys playing music, photography, cooking and the company
of good friends.
|
